"I am Darkness."

"Are you finally ready to elaborate on that phrase, Mr. Hamilton?"

"A bit. And just Alexander, please."

"Acknowledged."

Alexander stood and began to pace in order to keep his thoughts circulating. "Darkness. What do you think of when you hear that word, Laurens?"

"You may call me John if you wish. I think of fear, but also...peace. And secrets."

"John...that's a pretty name. And you are correct. I am fear. I am peace."

"How so?"

Alexander paused and then chuckled. "You probably think this is a psychotic delusion of mine. No, dear John, it is not. It is merely a form of expression. When I say fear, I mean that I can so easily change everything around me that everyone falls into a primal state of fear."

"Example?"

Alexander pulled a steak knife from the waistband of his jeans. John's eyes widened and he shifted towards the button on the wall that would call for help. Alexander nodded at his action.

"What do you...what do you plan to use that knife for, Alexander?"

"You think I'm going to kill you. No. This is a peace offering." Alexander turned the knife so he was holding the blade and extended the handle towards John.

John stared at it. "What's the trick?"

"Trick?"

"Alexander, I'll take the liberty of saying you're smart enough to know what a trick is and why you would pull one."

Alexander smiled solemnly. "I'm really not pulling a trick this time. This time. However, I like you, and I appreciate your...respect for me. This is a real peace offering. Do you choose to take it?"

"Alexander. I need you to understand something."

"I am always willing to understand."

John cocked an eyebrow but continued calmly. "If you hurt me with this knife, bad things are going to happen to you. You will be put in a must more restrictive confinement. You will lose most of your chance to leave this place. It. Won't. End. In. Your. Favor."

"Well, Mr. Laurens, that's not why I wouldn't hurt you with this. I don't want to hurt you."

"Why not?"

Alexander shrugged. "I like you."

"You've repeated this."

"I have."

"Anything to say on that?"

"No. The offering?"

John reached out for the knife slowly. "Promise?"

"I swear." Alexander pressed the handle to John's palm gently, prompting John to close his fingers around it.

There was a moment of tension as Alexander released the blade and let John have full possession. John stared into Alexander's eyes and pocketed the knife, holding his gaze.

"Alexander, would you like to say anything else?"

"Will you be back tomorrow?"

"I will."

"Then you are braver than most. Thank you for your bravery."